Melbourne: Golf

Tee off and be amazed by the range, depth and quality of courses found in Melbourne, the south-east suburban 'sandbelt' and Victoria's beautiful countryside. Head to the mountains, the flats, the rivers or the forests and choose from hundreds of courses to challenge and delight you.

Golf and Melbourne go together like a birdie putt finds the hole. With a local population devoted to golf, the Victorian capital is home to Royal Melbourne, more than a dozen of Australia's top 100 courses, the famed 'sandbelt' region in the south-eastern suburbs and some of the nation's best public links. The leading courses offer year-round, high-quality play and are located mainly in the sand belt. The jewel is Royal Melbourne, Australia's number one course and the city's golfing showpiece. The Alister Mackenzie design incorporates two classic 18-hole layouts featuring deep rough, strategically placed bunkers and fast, true greens.

All sandbelt clubs are private clubs, but if a golfer is a member of an international golf club that has reciprocal membership, then it is possible to play on some of these courses. Golf tour operators can also access some of the private sandbelt courses, provided players meet clubs' strict requirements.

There are many other public and private courses located close to the city that are well maintained, such as Mornington Penninsula, Bellarine Peninsula and along the Murray River. They range from resort-style layouts through to challenging suburban courses. Many have public access and cater for all handicaps and levels of experience. So don't leave home without your golf clubs when you come to Melbourne, as you will be spoilt for choice.